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Paul Merson's Premier League predictions - Week 27

Merse expects wins for Villa, Southampton, Hull and West Brom

Last Updated: 20/02/14 6:09pm

Crystal Palace v Manchester United: Merson predicts a draw

The fact Tim Sherwood left so many players out of his Europa League squad shows that he knows they have a real chance of getting in the top four. They've been on a roll and are only three points behind Liverpool and six behind Arsenal, so it's opened up for them. Nobody has mentioned them really but I think any of the current top five can still win the title. If any of the top five can put seven wins in a row together then they will win the league - and that includes Spurs. It will be an amazing achievement if they can do that because it really should be between Man City and Chelsea when you look at the squads.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2

Newcastle v Aston Villa (12.30pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1 )

Newcastle need to be careful that their season doesn't fizzle out and their fans don't get dis-heartened. Not long ago they were right up there and a couple of wins could have seen them break into the top six - but then they sold Yohan Cabaye and now they can't win a game for toffee. Newcastle have been battered in their last few games against Sunderland, Chelsea and Tottenham and the pressure is on them. That will play into Aston Villa's hands, who are dangerous away from home and will counter-attack them.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2

Liverpool v Swansea

I'm predicting Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal to all win on Saturday - so that means Liverpool will have to win this one under pressure. It's hard when you are playing catch up and that will make it a big game on Sunday. However, Liverpool are really good at the moment and they should win comfortably. I can't understand why Swansea rested so many players in the FA Cup... do they really think they are going to knock Napoli and Juventus out of the Europa League? I just don't understand that.

PAUL PREDICTS: 4-0

Crystal Palace v Man Utd

This is a hard game for Manchester United. Crystal Palace is a hard place to go and their fans have been outstanding this season. I was lucky enough to play in front of Portsmouth fans, but this lot are up there with them at the moment. If there's ever a chance of them beating Man United at home then this is it. United aren't pulling up any trees and they have a big game in Greece on Tuesday night - plus I'm not sure if Robin van Persie can play twice in four days with all the travelling. You wonder if David Moyes will play his best players and so I think this will be a draw.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1

Arsenal v Sunderland

Arsenal were bang unlucky against Bayern Munich. They had them on the rack in the first-half and if Mesut Ozil had scored his penalty then it could have been a different game. This is now an important game because the top four is getting very tight. Three weeks ago we were talking about them winning the league, but if they don't win this game they may struggle to get in the top four. A win here will see the title race back on again and I think they will win. Remember, Sunderland are in the Capital One Cup Final next week, something that doesn't come along too often for those players, so I'd be shocked if Wembley wasn't in the back of their minds.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

Cardiff v Hull

I really think Cardiff are struggling. They look a bit lost and I always thought this was a big job for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to come from Molde (where he did brilliantly) and come straight into a relegation battle. That's hard for any manager. I like Hull and I think their two forwards are a real handful, so I expect them to win this game.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2

Man City v Stoke

Man City need to win this game, but I don't think it will be a massive scoreline like we've seen from them a few times at home this season. The games are catching up on them and the loss to Barcelona will have knocked their confidence. I still think they will win the game though; Stoke are doing fine, but I expect City to do enough. It won't be 6-0 or 7-0 but I think they will recover from the disappointment of Tuesday night.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

West Brom v Fulham

I don't get what Fulham are doing. Rene Meulensteen was appointed and bought a player for £12million and yet they sacked him before Kostas Mitroglou has even kicked a ball. They have brought in Felix Magath, who has never managed in the Premier League before and that's a risk. Back in the day you could bring in someone like Dave Bassett who had been there, done it before and could get you out of trouble - but Magath isn't going to get time with his players. West Brom have a chance to really pull away from Fulham by winning this game. I worry for them, but if they could pick any game to play this weekend then Fulham at home would be it.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

West Ham v Southampton

I don't know what Southampton were doing in the FA Cup last week, I really don't. They are the only team in the country (apart from maybe Newcastle), who aren't going to get into Europe or get relegated, so they could have thrown everything at the FA Cup. So why did they rest players against Sunderland? Is the manager on a bonus for finishing as high as possible up the league? It's beyond me - and I bet the players are wondering what's going on. However, I think they will win this game because they can beat anyone on their day. West Ham are in form and have won some big games lately, but I think they might just take their eye off the ball.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2

Chelsea v Everton

Chelsea will feel hard-done-by having such a tough game this week. Man City and Arsenal both played in the Champions League in midweek and Jose Mourinho would have thought this was a good weekend to capitalise, but they've both got easier games than this. Chelsea can't afford to make changes ahead of the trip to Galatasaray because the most important thing is still the Premier League in my opinion and they need to play their strongest side. I still think they will win though - and it's important they win because it's the early game. It will be tight though.